THE BROADCASTING Commission of Ireland (BCI) will today invite applications from companies interested in operating three commercial, digital television multiplexes.
The multiplexes will carry up to eight digital channels each and could go live from 2010 onwards. The contracts will run for 12 years.
RTÉ has already been awarded a multiplex for the provision of terrestrial, free-to-air services.
The multiplexes will offer a range of interactive services and support high-definition broadcasts that are not possible through the current analogue frequency. Analogue is due to be switched off between 2012 and 2015.
Digital TV is already accessed by about two-thirds of Irish homes via cable and satellite operators.
The BCI said it would accept applications from groups to operate one or more of the commercial multiplexes. The closing date for applications is May 2nd with an oral hearing of presentations pencilled in for May 12th.
The BCI said it would appoint external consultants to help evaluate bids and it expects to select the licence winners on July 21st. Applications will cost €50,000, with 80 per cent of this fee refunded to unsuccessful groups. A regulatory fee of €225,000 a year has been proposed.
The BCI said it anticipates fewer than 10 applications for the licences.
Telecom providers BT and Eircom are tipped to submit bids, while satellite broadcaster BSkyB and cable TV operator UPC Ireland might also seek licences.
